£4m Scheme For Hampshire Village Affected By Floods

14 July 2014, 10:34 | Updated: 14 July 2014, 10:42

The scheme, which includes improving drainage ditches and road surfaces in Hambledon, has now been approved by the county council.

Councillor Seán Woodward, Executive for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council approved the two phase scheme at his decision day on Friday 11 July. 

During the floods this winter, caused by the excessive heavy rainfall, the main road through Hambledon was severely affected by flood water. Councillor Woodward said: 

"Hambledon has a long history of groundwater flooding. This winter the village suffered damaging and prolonged flooding as a result of the extreme wet weather, causing major disruption to the community. More extensive damage and disruption was only averted by the combined efforts of the County Council, Emergency Services, Armed Forces, Winchester City Council, Hambledon Parish Council, Southern Water and the local Flood Action Group. 

"The residents of the village showed enormous resilience as a community and it is clear that Hambledon is an area in need of some intervention, which is why I am pleased to agree the funding for this flood alleviation scheme. I hope the Government will play its part now and allow the full scheme to go ahead.” 

The County Council, working closely with the Environment Agency (EA), Winchester City Council, Hambledon Parish Council and other partners, is progressing plans for the Hambledon Flood Alleviation Scheme. 

The County Council and its partners have secured funding to start Phase 2 and work will start in January 2015. However, completion of the full extent of this phase is subject to the availability of funding from central Government. 

It is proposed that the work will be undertaken in 2 phases: Phase 1, which has already been approved and is due for implementation this summer, will improve the outfall and network of drainage ditches to the south of Lotts Store by widening and providing larger pipes beneath property accesses. 

This section of works is due to start at the end of August with an estimated duration of 3 months. During this time, the roads will remain open with traffic lights where required. Phase 2 will seek to reduce flooding in East Street, West Street, and parts of Green Lane through the provision of floodwater culverts along East Street and West Street, and re-profiling and resurfacing the highway to enhance the management of surface water drainage. The work will link into the improvements carried out as part of Phase 1. 

In order to prepare for this work, properties in East and West Street that are close to the road will be surveyed to ensure that the construction plans can take into account any specific requirements or features such as cellars. 

Phase 2 is currently in the design phase and more details about this part of the scheme, management of the works and its duration will be available in early Autumn. 

An event to provide local residents and businesses with further information is being planned for September. 

As additional information becomes available it will be provided on our website: www.hants.gov.uk/transport-schemes-winchester and also sent to the Hambledon Parish Council and Hambledon Flood Action Group.